Most weeds are undesirable in lawns and gardens and steal nutrients from your precious plants. These weeds spread and grow so fast and are uncontrollable. Good thing weed and grass herbicides are available to speed up controlling these weeds, such as Roundup and Spectracide.
However, some weeds are difficult to kill, like poison ivy and kudzu. Are you thinking of mixing Roundup and Spectracide for a more effective weed killer? Here's what we found.
Mixing Roundup and Spectracide is not recommended. Combining these two herbicides will make one main herbicide ingredient—Glyphosate—less effective.
Would you like to learn more about these herbicides and how to make them more effective in killing weeds? Read through for more information about Roundup and Spectracide.
Should You Mix Roundup And Spectracide?
Are you planning to mix Roundup Super Concentrate and Spectracide Weed And Grass Killer? Spectracide's active ingredient is Diquat, while Roundup's active ingredient is Glyphosate.
Mixing Diquat Dibromide and Glyphosate are not advisable. Combining these two ingredients will have Glyphosate less effective. Diquat burns the weeds you sprayed on, which prevents the leaves from absorbing Glyphosate. Weed leaves and stalks can still resprout from their roots.
Glyphosate takes longer to show results but has a long-term resolution in weed control. Diquat's result is fast and burns weeds in a week, but they could grow back when the roots resprout.
Roundup Super Concentrate has Glyphosate ingredients but not Diquat, while Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer has Diquat but no Glyphosate. In this case, Roundup is better to use to control weeds because of its long-term effect, while you need to reapply if you use Spectracide to kill weeds.
What Is Roundup Super Concentrate?
Roundup Super Concentrate is a non-selective herbicide with the active ingredient Glyphosate. This can kill the roots of the weeds so they won't return. This is effective in large areas, such as lawns, gravel areas, driveways, and walkways. Weeds turn yellow and wilt as fast as 2 to 4 days.
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What Is Spectracide Weed And Grass Killer?
Spectracide's active ingredient is Diquat, which kills grasses and weeds, and the results show as fast as 3 hours. This herbicide is best-used around shrubs, trees, fences, walkways, driveways, and more. Spectracide is non-selective, and it will kill any plants or weeds it is sprayed on.
Spectracide is cheaper than Roundup. However, according to some product reviews, the weeds grew back after a few weeks, and reapplication is needed. It can control and kill poison ivy, poison oak, blackberry, dandelion, chickweed, clover, kudzu, and poison oak.
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What Is Roundup Quickpro Dry Formula?
Roundup has a weed control product with Glyphosate and Diquat, the Roundup Quickpro Dry Formula. The Diquat addition in this herbicide is for the weeds to absorb the chemical fast before the rain washes it away. Quickpro Dry Formula kills everything you spray on.
As we mentioned above, Diquat causes Glyphosate to be less effective. According to some product reviews, the effectiveness will last for a month, and weeds are back. You will need reapplication to kill the new weeds.
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Is Roundup Safe For Dogs?
According to the study, Glyphosate exposure causes cancer in dogs. About a 70% increase in lymphoma and risk of bladder cancer linked to lawn chemicals.
More health risks are linked to Glyphosate exposure, such as autism, brain cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, and more.
Dogs are exposed to Glyphosate because Roundup is everywhere. This herbicide is also often used in corn, cotton, soybeans, and other crops.
To reduce dog exposure to Roundup, walk your pet in weedless lawns or walkways. If you use Roundup in your yard, limit the dog's exposure to Glyphosate by following the label's instructions and not allowing the dog to run around the grass you just sprayed Roundup.
Is Spectracide Safe For Dogs?
Spectracide is a herbicide that kills weeds. This herbicide is harsh to its target, but it is safe around your home and dog only if you follow the instructions and use it in moderation. That said, experts said Spectracide weed killer could be hazardous to some animals, such as cows, horses, and sheep. You may consult a veterinarian for the safety of your pets.
Here are some precautions to avoid harming your dog and even kids at home with Spectracide:
- Prevent your dog and yourself from direct contact with herbicides. Use hand gloves while using Spectracide. Wash your hands before petting your dog.
- Never store Spectracide in places where dogs and kids can reach it.
- Follow the label before using any chemicals.
- Pay attention to the wind direction when applying herbicides. Make sure that the solutions do not drift toward children or pets.
If your dog ingested Spectracide, it could have a health problem. Have your veterinarian check your pet as a precautionary measure.
Is Spectracide As Toxic As Roundup?
Roundup has adverse effects on health and is non-selective in killing weeds and grass, which is a different case from Spectracide. Spectracide is less toxic and designed for specific targeted weeds and pests.
The active ingredient of Spectracide, Dicamba, works on controlling the production of chlorophyll that eventually kills the weeds, while Roundup kills almost all plants and weeds down to their roots.
Roundup should not be used on edible plants, while Spectracide can be applied on them. You can use Spectracide in flower beds, vegetable gardens, tree rings, and more.
These two products are effective weed killers, but choosing the right one depends on your needs and where you will use them. Whichever you plan to use, always remember to wear a protective cover, such as hand gloves, long sleeves, and long pants.
How To Dilute Roundup
Here is how to dilute Roundup:
- Get a garden sprayer made of plastic, aluminum, fiberglass, or stainless steel. Avoid using unlined steel sprayers or galvanized sprayers.
- Use a measuring spoon or measuring cup.
- Mix 12 tablespoons (3/4 cup) of Roundup Concentrate Plus in one gallon of water to cover the lawn.
- Mix 5 tablespoons (15 teaspoons) of Roundup Super Concentrate with one gallon of water for hard-to-kill weeds and grass, m.
How To Dilute Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer
Here is how to dilute Spectracide:
- Get a tank sprayer.
- Use a teaspoon or tablespoon for measurement.
- Mix 10 teaspoons (1.73 ounces) of Spectracide in one gallon (160 ounces) of water.
- Spread the mixture using a tank sprayer to your targeted weeds.
- Avoid mowing, slashing, or damaging the treated weeds for at least seven days.
How To Use Roundup Weed & Grass Killer Properly
Always remember to follow the instructions on how to use Roundup. Here is how to use Roundup properly:
- Avoid pulling weeds from the ground before using herbicide. The weeds will grow back from the leftover seeds underneath the soil. The herbicide will help you speed up controlling the weeds. The weed leaves absorb the chemical and kill them down to their roots.
- Apply Roundup on a dry and wind-free day above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This great weather will help to minimize drift, speed up the drying, and avoid washing away from the rain before weeds absorption.
- On the application, Roundup should be dabbed or sprayed on the leaves of the weeds using a garden sprayer.
- Spray Roundup in the entire area where you want to control new weeds. You can use Roundup in pathways, walkways, patios, driveways, around shrubs or trees, fence lines, and many more.
- Humans and pets can return to the sprayed area once the herbicide dries up. It will take 30 minutes for the spray to dry and two hours for the gel herbicide.
- Store the remaining herbicide in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- One application is enough to control unruly weeds. You may use Roundup Max Control 365, so there is no need to reapply herbicide for up to 1 year.
- Avoid pulling weeds from the ground before using herbicide. The weeds will grow back from the leftover seeds underneath the soil.
Watch the video for more details about how to use Roundup properly.
Summary
We have learned what happens whe mixing Roundup and Spectracide. Blending these two herbicides will make Glyphosate less effective, and the long-term goal of eliminating weeds will go to waste. We hope we helped you through this post.
Check out these other posts for more helpful tips in gardening:
How Far Does Roundup Spread? [Can It Kill Nearby Plants?]
Can You Spray Roundup At Night [Or Does It Need Sunlight To Work]?